JP3654018B2 - Timing device and control method of timing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a time measuring device and a control method of the time measuring device, and more particularly, a control technique for an electronically controlled timepiece having a normal operation mode for displaying time as an operation mode and a power saving mode for reducing power consumption by stopping time display. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a small electronic timepiece such as a wristwatch type has a built-in power generation device such as a solar battery and operates without battery replacement. These electronic timepieces have a function of temporarily charging the power generated by the power generator to a large-capacity capacitor, etc., and when power generation is not performed, the time is displayed with the power discharged from the capacitor. ing. Therefore, stable operation is possible for a long time without a battery, and considering the trouble of battery replacement or battery disposal, many electronic watches are expected to have power generators built in the future. ing.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such an electronic timepiece with a built-in power generation device, in order to stably supply power over a long period of time, when the power generation device has been in a non-power generation state for a predetermined time or longer, the state is detected and the operation mode Is switched from the normal operation mode (display mode) in which the time is displayed to the power saving mode in which the time is not displayed.
By the way, in this power saving mode, the hand movement is also stopped, so it is easy for the user whether the hand movement is stopped by shifting to the power saving mode or whether the hand movement is stopped due to insufficient capacity of the power source. There was a problem that it was not possible to grasp.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is that the user can easily grasp that the mode is shifted to the power saving mode when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and the hand movement is stopped due to other reasons such as a decrease in power supply capacity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a timing device and a timing device control method that can be easily distinguished from each other.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a time measuring device according to claim 1 is provided by a power supply means for supplying power for driving and electric energy supplied from the power supply means. It is driven to display the time, and has a normal operation mode and a plurality of sub power saving modes with different amounts of electrical energy that can be saved. Based on timing means and predetermined conditions The operation mode of the time measuring means is shifted to either the normal operation mode or each of the sub power saving modes. Operation mode control means; When the operation mode control means shifts to each sub power saving mode, the power saving notification is displayed in a different manner for each sub power saving mode. Power saving notification display control means; Means for measuring the time duration of each of the sub power saving modes, and performing time return processing on the time measuring means when shifting to the operation mode based on the duration time; It is provided with.
[0005]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a timing device including: a power unit that supplies power for driving; and a timing unit that is driven by electrical energy supplied from the power unit and displays a time. The operation mode of the timekeeping unit is set to a normal operation mode based on a predetermined condition. And multiple sub power saving modes with different electrical energy savings And an operation mode control step for making a transition to each other, and an operation mode of the timing unit Each vice When switching to power saving mode The power saving notification display is performed by changing the display mode of the timing unit to a different mode for each sub power saving mode. Power saving notification display process, Measuring time duration of each sub power saving mode, and performing time return processing on the timing unit when shifting to the operation mode based on the duration time; It is provided with.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1] Outline configuration
In FIG. 1, schematic structure of the time measuring device 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown.
The timekeeping device 1 is a wristwatch, and the user wraps a belt connected to the device main body around the wrist for use.
The timing device 1 of the present embodiment can be broadly divided into a power generation unit A that generates AC power, a power source that rectifies the AC voltage from the power generation unit A and stores the boosted voltage, and supplies power to each component. Unit B, a power generation state detection unit 91 (see FIG. 2) that detects the power generation state of power generation unit A, and a control unit 23 that controls the entire apparatus based on the detection result; A second hand moving mechanism CS for driving, an hour / minute hand moving mechanism CHM for driving the minute hand and the hour hand using a step motor, a second hand driving unit 30S for driving the second hand moving mechanism CS based on a control signal from the control unit 23, and a control Based on the control signal from the unit 23, the hour / minute hand driving unit 30HM for driving the hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM and the operation mode of the timing device 1 are changed from the time display mode to the calendar correction mode, the time correction mode, or forcedly. It is constituted by an external input device 100 for performing an instruction operation for shifting to the power saving mode described (see FIG. 2).
[0018]
Here, according to the power generation state of the power generation unit A, the control unit 23 drives the fingering mechanisms CS and CHM to display the time (normal operation mode), the second hand movement mechanism CS, and the hour / minute hand movement mechanism. The power supply to the CHM is stopped to switch to a power saving mode in which power is saved. In addition, the transition from the power saving mode to the display mode is forcibly performed when a predetermined power generation voltage is detected by forcibly generating power by the user holding the timing device 1 and shaking it. It is supposed to be migrated.
[0019]
[2] Detailed configuration
Hereinafter, each component of the timing device 1 will be described. The controller 23 will be described later using functional blocks.
[2.1] Power generation unit
First, the power generation unit A will be described.
The power generation unit A includes a power generation device 40, a rotary weight 45, and a speed increasing gear 46.
As the power generation device 40, an electromagnetic induction type AC power generation device is used in which the power generation rotor 43 rotates inside the power generation stator 42 and the power induced in the power generation coil 44 connected to the power generation stator 42 can be output to the outside. Has been.
The rotating weight 45 functions as a means for transmitting kinetic energy to the power generation rotor 43. The movement of the rotary weight 45 is transmitted to the power generation rotor 43 via the speed increasing gear 46.
In the wristwatch type timing device 1, the rotating weight 45 can be turned in the device by capturing the movement of the user's arm and the like. Therefore, the power generation is performed using the energy related to the life of the user, and the timing device 1 can be driven using the power.
[0020]
[2.2] Power supply
Next, the power supply unit B will be described.
The power supply unit B includes a limiter circuit LM for preventing an excessive voltage from being applied to a subsequent circuit, a diode 47 that functions as a rectifier circuit, a large-capacitance capacitor 48, and a step-up / down circuit 49. It is configured.
The step-up / step-down circuit 49 is capable of step-up and step-down in multiple stages using a plurality of capacitors 49a, 49b and 49c. The second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM are controlled by a control signal φ11 from the control unit 23. The voltage supplied to can be adjusted.
Here, the power supply unit B takes Vdd (high voltage side) as the reference potential (GND) and generates Vss (low voltage side) as the power supply voltage.
[0021]
Here, an embodiment of the limiter circuit LM will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the limiter circuit LM functions equivalently as a switch for short-circuiting the power generation unit A, and the power generation voltage VGEN of the power generation unit A exceeds a predetermined limit reference voltage VLM. In the case of turning on (closed).
As a result, the power generation unit A is electrically disconnected from the large capacity capacitor 48.
As a result, an excessive power generation voltage VGEN is not applied to the large-capacity capacitor 48, and the large-capacity capacitor 48 is damaged due to the generation voltage VGEN exceeding the withstand voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor. It is possible to prevent damage to the machine.
The diode in FIG. 3 is a backflow prevention diode and prevents the large-capacitance capacitor 48 from being short-circuited when the limiter circuit LM is on.
As another embodiment of the limiter circuit LM, a configuration in which the connection between the power generation unit A and the large-capacitance capacitor 48 is cut with a switch is also conceivable.
[0022]
[2.3] Hand movement mechanism
Next, the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM will be described.
[2.3.1] Second hand movement mechanism
First, the second hand movement mechanism CS will be described.
The stepping motor 10 used in the second hand moving mechanism CS is also called a pulse motor, a stepping motor, a stepping motor or a digital motor, and is a motor driven by a pulse signal that is frequently used as an actuator of a digital control device. is there. In recent years, stepping motors that have been reduced in size and weight have been widely used as actuators for small electronic devices or information devices suitable for carrying. Typical examples of such electronic devices are timekeeping devices such as electronic timepieces, time switches, and chronographs.
The stepping motor 10 of the present embodiment is excited in a drive coil 11 that generates a magnetic force by a drive pulse supplied from the second hand drive unit 30S, a stator 12 that is excited by the drive coil 11, and further, inside the stator 12. The rotor 13 is rotated by a magnetic field.
Further, the stepping motor 10 is constituted by a PM type (permanent magnet rotating type) in which the rotor 13 is constituted by a disk-shaped two-pole permanent magnet.
[0023]
The stator 12 is provided with a magnetic saturation portion 17 so that different magnetic poles are generated in the respective phases (poles) 15 and 16 around the rotor 13 due to the magnetic force generated in the drive coil 11.
Further, in order to define the rotation direction of the rotor 13, an inner notch 18 is provided at an appropriate position on the inner periphery of the stator 12, so that cogging torque is generated to stop the rotor 13 at an appropriate position. ing.
The rotation of the rotor 13 of the stepping motor 10 is transmitted to the second hand 53 by a train wheel 50 including a second intermediate wheel 51 and a second wheel (second indicator wheel) 52 meshed with the rotor 13 via the kana, and a second is displayed. It will be.
[2.3.2] Hour-hand movement mechanism
Next, the hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM will be described.
The stepping motor 60 used in the hour / minute hand movement mechanism CHM has the same configuration as the stepping motor 10.
The stepping motor 60 of this embodiment includes a drive coil 61 that generates magnetic force by a drive pulse supplied from the hour / minute drive unit 30HM, a stator 62 excited by the drive coil 61, and excitation inside the stator 62. The rotor 63 is rotated by a magnetic field generated.
[0024]
Further, the stepping motor 60 is constituted by a PM type (permanent magnet rotating type) in which the rotor 63 is constituted by a disk-shaped two-pole permanent magnet. The stator 62 is provided with a magnetic saturation portion 67 so that different magnetic poles are generated in the respective phases (poles) 65 and 66 around the rotor 63 due to the magnetic force generated by the drive coil 61. Further, in order to define the rotation direction of the rotor 63, an inner notch 68 is provided at an appropriate position on the inner circumference of the stator 62 so that cogging torque is generated to stop the rotor 63 at an appropriate position. ing.
The rotation of the rotor 63 of the stepping motor 60 is such that the fourth wheel 71, third wheel 72, second wheel (minute indicator wheel) 73, minute wheel 74 and hour wheel (hour) meshed with the rotor 63 through the kana. It is transmitted to each needle by a train wheel 70 composed of an indicator wheel) 75. A minute hand 76 is connected to the center wheel & pinion 73, and an hour hand 77 is connected to the hour wheel 75. The hour and minute are displayed by these hands in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 63.
Further, although not shown in the train wheel 70, a transmission system for displaying the date (calendar) or the like (for example, when performing date display, a cylinder intermediate wheel, a date turning intermediate wheel, a date It is of course possible to connect a rotating wheel, a date wheel, etc.). In this case, a calendar correction system train wheel (for example, a first calendar correction transmission wheel, a second calendar correction transmission wheel, a calendar correction wheel, a date wheel, etc.) can be provided.
[0025]
[2.4] Second hand drive unit and hour / minute hand drive unit
Next, the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM will be described. In this case, since the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM have the same configuration, only the second hand drive unit 30S will be described.
The second hand drive unit 30S supplies various drive pulses to the stepping motor 10 under the control of the control unit 23.
The second hand drive unit 30S includes a bridge circuit formed by a p-channel MOS 33a and an n-channel MOS 32a connected in series, and a p-channel MOS 33b and an n-channel MOS 32b.
The second hand drive unit 30S includes rotation detection resistors 35a and 35b connected in parallel with the p-channel MOSs 33a and 33b, and a sampling p-channel MOS 34a and a sampling p-channel MOS 34a for supplying chopper pulses to the resistors 35a and 35b, respectively. 34b. Therefore, by applying control pulses having different polarities and pulse widths from the control unit 23 to the respective gate electrodes of the MOSs 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a and 34b at the respective timings, the driving coils 11 are driven with different polarities. It is possible to supply a pulse or a detection pulse for exciting an induced voltage for rotation detection and magnetic field detection of the rotor 13.
[0026]
[2.5] Control unit
Next, the configuration of the control unit 23 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the control unit 23 and its peripheral configuration.
The control unit 23 includes a pulse synthesizing circuit 22, a mode setting unit 90, a time information storage unit 96, and a drive control circuit 24.
First, the pulse synthesizing circuit 22 generates an oscillation circuit that oscillates a reference pulse having a stable frequency using a reference oscillation source 21 such as a crystal resonator, and a divided pulse and a reference pulse obtained by dividing the reference pulse. And a synthesis circuit that synthesizes and generates pulse signals having different pulse widths and timings.
Next, the mode setting unit 90 includes a power generation state detection unit 91, a setting value switching unit 95 that switches a setting value used for detection of the power generation state, a voltage detection circuit 92 that detects a charging voltage Vc of the large-capacitance capacitor 48, A central control circuit 93 that controls the time display mode according to the power generation state and controls the boosting magnification based on the charging voltage, and a mode storage unit 94 that stores the mode are provided.
[0027]
The power generation state detection unit 91 compares the electromotive voltage Vgen of the power generation device 40 with the set voltage value Vo to determine whether power generation has been detected, and is considerably smaller than the set voltage value Vo. A second detection circuit 98 that determines whether or not power generation is detected by comparing a power generation duration Tgen at which an electromotive voltage Vgen equal to or higher than the set voltage value Vbas is obtained with a set time value To; When one of the conditions is satisfied in the second detection circuits 97 and 98, it is determined that the power generation state is present. Here, each of the set voltage values Vo and Vbas is a negative voltage with reference to Vdd (= GND), and indicates a potential difference from Vdd. The configuration of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 will be described later.
[0028]
Here, the set voltage value Vo and the set time value To can be switched and controlled by the set value switching unit 95. When the setting value switching unit 95 is switched from the display mode to the power saving mode, the setting values Vo and To of the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98 of the power generation detection circuit 91 are changed. In this example, as the display mode setting values Va and Ta, values lower than the power saving mode setting values Vb and Tb are set. Therefore, large power generation is required to switch from the power saving mode to the display mode. Here, the level of power generation is not sufficient to be obtained by carrying the time measuring device 1 normally, and needs to be large when the user forcibly charges by hand gesture. In other words, the power saving mode setting values Vb and Tb are set so as to detect forced charging by hand shaking. The central control circuit 93 includes a non-power generation time measuring circuit 99 that measures a non-power generation time Tn in which power generation is not detected by the first and second detection circuits 97 and 98, and the non-power generation time Tn is set to a predetermined value. If it continues for more than a certain time, it shifts from the display mode to the power saving mode.
[0029]
On the other hand, the transition from the power saving mode to the display mode satisfies the condition that the power generation state detection unit 91 detects that the power generation unit A is in the power generation state and the charging voltage VC of the large-capacitance capacitor 48 is sufficient. And executed.
In this case, when the limiter circuit LM operates in the state of shifting to the power saving mode and is in the on (closed) state, the power generation unit A is short-circuited, and the power generation state detection unit 91 is the power generation unit A. Even in the power generation state, it cannot be detected, and it becomes impossible to shift from the power saving mode to the display mode.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the operation mode is the power saving mode, the power generation state detection unit 91 sets the limiter circuit LM to the off (open) state regardless of the power generation state of the power generation unit A, and the power generation state detection unit 91 The power generation state can be reliably detected.
[0030]
In addition, since the power supply unit B of the present embodiment includes the step-up / step-down circuit 49, the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM are driven by boosting the power source voltage using the step-up / step-down circuit 49 even when the charging voltage VC is low to some extent. Is possible.
Conversely, even when the charging voltage VC is somewhat high and higher than the driving voltage of the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM, it is possible to drive the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM by stepping down the power supply voltage using the step-up / down circuit 49. It is.
Therefore, the central control circuit 93 determines the step-up / step-down magnification based on the charging voltage VC and controls the step-up / down circuit 49.
[0031]
However, if the charging voltage VC is too low, a power supply voltage that can operate the hand movement mechanisms CS and CHM cannot be obtained even if the voltage is increased. In such a case, if the mode is shifted from the power saving mode to the display mode, accurate time display cannot be performed and wasteful power is consumed.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charging voltage VC is compared with a predetermined set voltage value Vc to determine whether or not the charging voltage VC is sufficient, and this is shifted from the power saving mode to the display mode. One condition for this.
Furthermore, the central control circuit 93 monitors power saving for monitoring whether or not an instruction operation for shifting to a predetermined forced power saving mode is performed within a predetermined time when the user operates the external input device 100. The mode counter 101 continuously counts cyclically, and the second hand position counter whose count value = 0 corresponds to a predetermined power saving notification display position (for example, a position between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock). 102.
[0032]
The mode set in this way is stored in the mode storage unit 94, and the information is supplied to the drive control circuit 24, the time information storage unit 96 and the set value switching unit 95. In the drive control circuit 24, when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the supply of the pulse signal to the second hand driving unit 30S and the hour / minute hand driving unit 30HM is stopped, and the second hand driving unit 30S and the hour / minute hand driving unit 30HM are stopped. Stop operation. Thereby, the motor 10 stops rotating and the time display stops.
Next, the time information storage unit 96 is more specifically composed of an up / down counter (not shown), and when the display mode is switched to the power saving mode, the reference signal generated by the pulse synthesizing circuit 22 is displayed. In response, the time measurement is started and the count value is increased (up-count), and the duration time of the power saving mode is measured as the count value.
Further, when the mode is switched from the power saving mode to the display mode, the count value of the up / down counter is decreased (down count), and during the down count, the drive control circuit 24 supplies the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM. Output a fast-forward pulse.
And, when the count value of the up / down counter is zero, that is, when the fast feed time corresponding to the duration of the power saving mode and the elapsed time during fast feed has elapsed, a control signal for stopping the sending of the fast feed pulse is generated, This is supplied to the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM.
As a result, the time display is restored to the current time.
Thus, the time information storage unit 96 also has a function of returning the redisplayed time display to the current time.
[0033]
Next, the drive control circuit 24 generates a drive pulse corresponding to the mode based on the various pulses output from the pulse synthesis circuit 22. First, in the power saving mode, the supply of drive pulses is stopped. Next, immediately after switching from the power saving mode to the display mode, in order to restore the redisplayed time display to the current time, the fast hand pulse having a short pulse interval is used as a drive pulse and the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour. Supply to the minute hand drive unit 30HM.
Next, after the supply of the fast-forward pulse is completed, a drive pulse with a normal pulse interval is supplied to the second hand drive unit 30S and the hour / minute hand drive unit 30HM.
[0034]
[3] Operation of the embodiment
FIG. 4 shows an operation flowchart in the timing device of the embodiment.
First, the control circuit 23 determines whether or not it is in the power saving operation mode (step S1).
If it is determined in step S1 that the power saving operation mode is in progress (step S1; Yes), the process proceeds to step S8 described later.
When it is not in the power saving operation mode in the determination of step S1, that is, in the display mode that is the normal operation mode (step S1; No), the central control circuit 93 is based on the detection signal of the power generation state detection device 91. Thus, it is determined whether or not there is an electromotive force, that is, whether or not the power generation device 40 is generating power (step S2).
If it is determined in step S2 that there is an electromotive force (step S2; Yes), the process proceeds to step S15, the time display is continued (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S1 again.
When it is determined in step S3 that there is no electromotive force, that is, no power is generated (step S3; No), the non-power generation time measurement circuit 99 of the central control circuit 93 counts up the non-power generation time Tn. Is performed (step S3).
Then, the central control circuit 93 determines whether or not the non-power generation time Tn continues beyond a predetermined set time (step S4).
[0035]
If it is determined in step S4 that the non-power generation time Tn does not continue beyond the predetermined set time (step S4; No), the process proceeds to step S2 again, and the processes from step S2 to step S4 are repeated. .
If it is determined in step S4 that the non-power generation time Tn has continued beyond the predetermined set time (step S4; Yes), the second hand position counter 102, which continues to count continuously, is incremented. (Step S5), the value of the second hand position counter 102 is “0”, that is, the second hand is in a predetermined power saving notification display position (1 in the region facing the power saving mode indicator 111 in FIG. 5A). It is determined whether or not it has reached the position between time and 2 o'clock (step S6).
In the determination of step S6, the value of the second hand position counter 102 is not “0”, that is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second hand faces the power saving mode indicator 111 that is a predetermined power saving mode display position. If it is not within the area to be operated (step S6; No), the process proceeds to step S5 again while the second hand 55 is driven while the second hand drive unit 30S is driven, and the second hand position counter 102 is incremented. continue.
In the determination in step S6, the value of the second hand position counter 102 is “0”, that is, as shown in FIG. 5B, the area where the second hand faces the power saving mode indicator 111 which is a predetermined power saving mode display position. If it has reached the position, the second hand is stopped at the position, and the time display is stopped to shift to the power saving mode (step S6).
As a result, the user can easily grasp that the timing device 1 is in the power saving mode by confirming that the second hand is stopped in the area facing the power saving mode indicator 111 that is the power saving mode display position. I can do it.
[0036]
Next, the central control circuit 93 sets the limiter circuit LM to an off (open) state so that the power generation state detection unit 91 can reliably detect the power generation state of the power generation unit A.
Subsequently, the central control circuit 93 controls the step-up / step-down circuit 49 to stop the step-up control (step S9).
Here, the reason why the boost control is stopped in the power saving mode will be described.
In general, in order to secure the operating voltage region of the timing device for a long time with limited energy, it is necessary to control the step-up / down circuit 49 to perform boost control in the power supply device. In the display mode, when the power supply voltage decreases and the driving voltage for moving the hand falls below a predetermined driving voltage, the boosting control is performed to increase the driving voltage and continue the moving.
On the other hand, in the power saving mode, in order to perform time recovery processing (step S14), which will be described later, at a voltage level lower than the time recoverable voltage, the time is quickly displayed when the mode is shifted from the power saving mode to the display mode with little energy consumption. It must be possible to charge the battery until a voltage state where the return process can be performed is reached.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the boost control is stopped in the power saving mode.
[0037]
Next, the time information storage unit 96 counts up the time information corresponding to the elapsed time in the power saving mode for performing a time return process (step S14) described later (step S10), and the user operates the time measuring device 1 as an operation. It is determined whether or not the external input device (the crown and position detecting device) has been operated to shift the mode to the time correction mode (step S11).
In the determination of step S11, when the operation of the external input device 100 is not performed to shift to the time correction mode (step S11; No), it is determined whether or not the power generation device 40 shifts to the display mode. It is determined whether or not power generation is performed with an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined electromotive force (step S12).
In the determination of step S12, when power generation is not performed with an electromotive force equal to or higher than a predetermined electromotive force for determining whether or not the power generation device 40 shifts to the display mode, that is, when the power saving mode should be continued, The process returns to step S10 again to continue counting up time information corresponding to the elapsed time in the power saving mode.
[0038]
In the determination in step S12, when power generation is performed with an electromotive force equal to or higher than a predetermined electromotive force for determining whether or not the power generation device 40 shifts to the display mode, that is, when the power generation device 40 should shift to the display mode ( (Step S12; Yes), the control of the limiter circuit LM is resumed (Step S13), the operation mode is changed from the power saving mode to the display mode, and the time is returned based on the count value of the time information storage unit 96. And the second hand 55 is also driven normally (step S14).
Then, the time display is continued (step S15), the process is shifted again to step S1, and the same process is repeated.
If it is determined in step S11 that the external input device 100 is operated to shift to the time correction mode (step S11; Yes), the count value in the time information storage unit 96 is reset (step S16).
Then, when the time adjustment mode is canceled by the user's operation of the external input device, the process returns to step S10, and the time corresponding to the elapsed time in the power saving mode for performing the time return process (step S14). The same process is repeated until the information is counted up and the power saving mode is canceled.
[0039]
[4] Effects of the embodiment
As described above, according to the timing device 1 of the present embodiment, when the operation mode is shifted to the power saving mode, the second hand is moved within the region facing the power saving mode indicator 111 that is the power saving mode display position. By stopping the operation, the user confirms that the second hand is stopped in the region facing the power saving mode indicator 111, thereby clearly distinguishing that the timing device 1 is in the power saving mode from the stop due to the lack of power capacity. Separately, it can be easily grasped.
[0040]
[5] Modification of embodiment
[5.1] First modification
In the above-described embodiment, the timing device that drives the analog hands using the step motor 10 and the step motor 60 and displays the time has been described as an example. However, for the digital timing device that displays the time on an LCD or the like. Of course, it is also applicable.
In this case, in an analog display type digital timing device that expresses an analog pointer with a liquid crystal display or the like, an area facing a power saving mode indicator 111 that is a predetermined power saving mode display position in which the second hand is set in the same manner as in the above embodiment. It is only necessary to display only the second hand after the hand has moved (or moved immediately).
It is also possible to continue displaying only a specific power saving mode display mark or symbol.
Furthermore, even if it does not have a configuration like the power saving mode indicator 111, the display pointer may be configured to stop at a predetermined position. For example, the second hand and the hour / minute hand may be stopped at the hour position (60 second position).
[0041]
[5.2] Second modification
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the two step motors 10 and 60 are stopped simultaneously when shifting to the power saving mode has been described. However, the power saving mode is set in a plurality of stages (corresponding to the sub power saving mode) and the power saving mode indicator is set. It is also possible to divide 111 into a plurality of areas, for example, by color coding so that it can be recognized which power saving mode has been entered.
More specifically, the power saving mode is divided into two. In the first stage power saving mode, only the step motor 10 corresponding to the second hand is stopped, and the second hand is a predetermined first power saving mode display position. When the hand moves into a region facing the first region (for example, displayed in yellow) of the power saving mode indicator 111, the operation proceeds to the first power saving mode, and then the second power saving mode is performed again. Corresponding to the second hand after driving the second hand and moving the second hand into the area opposite to the second area (for example, displayed in red) of the power saving mode indicator 111 which is a predetermined second power saving mode display position. The step motor 10 and the step motor 60 corresponding to the hour / minute hands may be stopped.
[0042]
[5.3] Third modification
In the above-described embodiment, the timing device that displays the hour and minute and the second with two motors has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applied to a timing device that displays the hour and minute and the second with a single motor. Is possible.
Conversely, the present invention can also be applied to a timing device having three or more motors (motors that individually control the second hand, minute hand, hour hand, calendar, chronograph, etc.). In this case, it is possible to stop not only the second hand but also a display hand for chronograph (for example, 1/10 second hand) at a predetermined power saving mode display position.
Further, a plurality of display hands such as a second hand and an hour / minute hand may be stopped at a predetermined position.
In this case, the plurality of display pointers may be stopped at the same predetermined position (for example, stopped in the same predetermined direction), or the plurality of display pointers may be stopped at different predetermined positions. Is possible.
[0043]
[5.4] Fourth modification
In the above embodiment, the display mode has automatically shifted to the power saving mode, but by operating the external input device by the user, for example, detecting that a specific operation has been performed on the crown, It is possible to forcibly shift to the power saving mode, and when moving to the forced power saving mode, the second hand is moved into a region facing the power saving mode indicator 111 which is a predetermined power saving mode display position. It is also possible to configure to shift to the power saving mode.
[0044]
[5.5] Fifth modification
In the above embodiment, the wristwatch type timing device 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other than the wristwatch, a portable pocket watch, a non-portable table clock, a wall clock, etc. Even so, it can be applied.
[0045]
[5.6] Sixth Modification
In the above embodiment, an electromagnetic power generation device that transmits the rotational motion of the rotary weight 45 to the rotor 43 and generates the electromotive force Vgen in the output coil 44 by the rotation of the rotor 43 is adopted as the power generation device 40. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a power generation device that generates a rotational motion by the restoring force (corresponding to the first energy) of the mainspring and generates an electromotive force by the rotational motion, or by external or self-excitation. A power generation device that generates electric power by the piezoelectric effect by applying vibration or displacement (corresponding to the first energy) to the piezoelectric body may be used.
Furthermore, a power generation device that generates electric power by photoelectric conversion using light energy such as sunlight (corresponding to the first energy) may be used.
Furthermore, it may be a power generation device that generates electric power by thermal power generation using a temperature difference (thermal energy; corresponding to first energy) between a certain part and another part.
It is also possible to use an electromagnetic induction power generation apparatus that receives floating electromagnetic waves such as broadcasting and communication radio waves and uses the energy (corresponding to the first energy).
[0046]
[5.7] Seventh modification
In the above embodiment, the reference potential (GND) is set to Vdd (high potential side). However, the reference potential (GND) may be set to Vss (low potential side). In this case, the set voltage values Vo and Vbas indicate a potential difference from the detection level set on the high voltage side with respect to Vss.
[5.8] Eighth Modification
In the above embodiment, a secondary battery that stores the power generated by the power generator, or a rechargeable power storage device such as a capacitor is used as the power source. However, a primary battery may be used, and a rechargeable power storage. An apparatus and a primary battery may be used in combination, or a power generation apparatus and a primary battery may be used in combination.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when the operation mode of the time measuring means is shifted to the power saving mode, the predetermined power saving notification display mode for notifying the user that the time display mode of the time measuring means is in the power saving mode. As a result, the user can easily grasp the transition to the power saving mode when shifting to the power saving mode, and if the hand movement is stopped due to other reasons such as a decrease in power capacity, Can be distinguished.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption while improving user convenience.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a timing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit and its peripheral configuration according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a limiter circuit.
FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power saving mode display mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Timing device
23 ... Control circuit
24. Drive control circuit
30S: Second hand drive unit
30HM… Hour / minute hand drive
40 ... Power generation device
45 ... Rotating weight
48 ... High-capacity secondary power supply (large-capacity capacitor)
49 ... Booster circuit
90 ... Mode setting section
91 ... Power generation state detection unit
93 ... Central control circuit
94. Mode storage unit
95: Setting value changer
97: First detection circuit
98 ... Second detection circuit
100: External input device
101 ... Power saving mode counter
111 ... Power saving mode indicator
A ... Power generation section
B ... Power supply
LM ... Limiter circuit

Claims (2)

Power supply means for supplying driving power;
Timekeeping means that is driven by the electric energy supplied from the power supply means to display a time, and includes a normal operation mode and a plurality of sub power saving modes having different amounts of electric energy that can be saved ;
An operation mode control means for shifting the operation mode of the time measuring means to either the normal operation mode or each of the sub power saving modes based on a predetermined condition set in advance;
When a transition to each sub power saving mode is performed by the operation mode control means, a power saving notification display control means for performing power saving notification display in a different manner for each sub power saving mode ,
A time measuring device comprising: a time measuring unit for measuring the duration of each of the sub power saving modes; and a unit for performing a time return process on the time measuring unit when shifting to the operation mode based on the duration. . In a control method for a timing device, including a power supply unit that supplies power for driving, and a timing unit that is driven by electrical energy supplied from the power supply unit and displays a time,
An operation mode control step of shifting the operation mode of the timekeeping unit between a normal operation mode and a plurality of sub power saving modes having different amounts of electrical energy that can be saved based on predetermined conditions;
Saishi shifts the operation mode of the timing unit to each of the sub-power saving mode, a power saving notification display step of causing a power-saving notification display in the different embodiments the display mode of the timing unit for each of the respective sub-power saving mode,
Measuring time duration of each sub power saving mode, and performing time return processing on the timing unit when shifting to the operation mode based on the duration time;
A control method for a timing device, comprising:

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